Getting to the museum
Pre-purchase tickets
To minimise the time you spend in a queue, we suggest buying tickets online before you visit. Present your printed or digital tickets at the pre-purchase queue entry point for quick entry.
Parking
We have accessible parking spaces in the main Scienceworks car park, near the building entry. Larger buses can park in the Booker Street car park.
There are kerb ramps in front of the museum forecourt.
The accessible car parking bays have a minimum clearance of 5200mm x 3200mm.
An overflow car park which can be accessed from Booker Street.
Public transport
Train: If you catch the train to Scienceworks, you'll arrive at Spotswood Station and travel a few blocks to the museum. Please visit the Metro Trains website to assist with your train commute.
It is approximately a 10 minute walk from Spotswood station to Scienceworks. The route has kerb ramps at all road crossings, and ramp access to the station is graded in accordance with accessibility standards.
Ferry: The Westgate Punt ferry service runs between Westgate Landing, Lorimer St, Port Melbourne, and Spotswood Jetty. It is approximately a 10 minute walk from Spotswood Jetty to Scienceworks via the pedestrian crossing at the corner of Douglas Parade and Simcock Avenue.
Visit the Westgate Punt website for the ferry timetable.
Taxi pick up / drop off
There is a taxi and car share parking on Booker Street.
Accessible Entrance
The main entrance to Scienceworks is accessible.
Getting to the entrance:
- The doorway at the main entrance is a flat, paved surface with no step.
- The school entrance is only accessible via stairs. Lift access is via the main entrance.
- The kerbside from the car park to the entrance has a gentle slope.
- The kerbside on Booker Street has a gentle slope.
At the museum
Wheelchairs and mobility scooter
Wheelchairs (standard size) and a mobility scooter (130kg weight limit) are available free of charge at the information desk at Scienceworks for your visit
We recommend booking a wheelchair or mobility scooter by calling Scienceworks 13 11 02 before your visit.
All exhibition galleries and public spaces have lift and/or ramp access.
There are four dedicated wheelchair spaces in the Planetarium and two in the Lightning Theatre. Visitors are advised to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to secure a space. Alternatively, you can contact our bookings office.
Accessible lifts
Accessible lifts are located in the main foyer of Scienceworks and between the Think Ahead and Sportsworks Exhibitions.
There is ramp access to the Pumping station building.
Toilets
Accessible toilets are located on the ground floor of the main building:
- Main entrance (Accessible/ Family toilets/ Parents’ Room) has a door width of approximately 800mm with a right-hand transfer.
- Planetarium foyer (Accessible / Baby change table) has a door width of approximately 800mm with a left-hand transfer.
- Ground Up Exhibition (Accessible / Family toilets/ Parents’ Room) has a door width of approximately 900mm with a left-hand transfer.
- Pumping Station (Accessible) has a door width of approximately 980mm with a left-hand transfer.
All toilet doors open inwards.
Please note that the minimum toilet facility dimensions for DDA compliance are based on wheelchair dimensions, not motorised scooter dimensions. The toilet facilities at Scienceworks may not accommodate the width and turning range requirements of mobility scooters.
Scienceworks does not have a hoist or adult changing facilities.
Sensory Bags
If you have sensory sensitivities or are feeling overwhelmed during your visit, you can borrow a free sensory bag. The bags contain:
- Noise reduction earmuffs
- Fidget tools
- A communication card
- Sensory bags can be borrowed from the Information desk located in the entrance foyer and returned to the same location at the end of your visit.
Deaf access
The National Relay Service (NRS) can assist people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, please visit the Access Hub website for more information.
24-hour relay call numbers:
- TTY/voice calls: 133 677
- Speak & Listen: 1300 555 727
- SMS Relay: 0423 677 767
Assistive listening
There are hearing loops in a number of spaces at Scienceworks: the Planetarium, Lightning Theatre, Amphitheatre and Auditorium.
Ground floor
- The Lightning Theatre x1
- The Amphitheatre x1
- Think Ahead Exhibition x2
- The Planetarium x1
Lower ground floor
- The Energy Lab x1
Blind and low vision access
Guide dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
The lift has tactile indicators.
Some exhibitions may have tactile components. Please ask at the ticket desk for more information.
Food allergen information
While our catering outlets endeavour to accommodate guests with food allergies or intolerances, we cannot guarantee completely allergy free meals. This is due to the potential for trace allergens in the working environment and supplied ingredients.
Programs and resources
Companion Card
We are proud to support Companion Card. We offer complimentary admission to your companion person upon presentation of a valid companion card at the time of purchase.
Visiting information
The plan your visit page has visitor maps, itinerary suggestions, information about dining options and more.
Low sensory sessions
On the first Saturday of every month (excluding Victorian school holidays), Scienceworks offers low-sensory sessions for visitors who experience sensory sensitivity. Loud sound effects and music will be muted, and bright or flashing lights will be dimmed in all permanent exhibitions included with museum entry.
Visual stories
These visual stories are designed to help anyone who may find a step-by-step visual and written access guide useful when planning to visit Scienceworks or related museum experiences.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program
Museums Victoria is a proud Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program partner to support and raise awareness of those living with a hidden disability. The training of Museums Victoria staff, both public facing and back of house, ensures that our staff are able to offer respectful and discreet help to those who need it. By wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard or wristband, visitors can communicate their requirement for support in a way that is recognised and respected by staff.
Auslan Tours
Scienceworks does not currently offer Auslan tours.
Auslan interpreted events
Some events at Scienceworks are Auslan interpreted. Check What's On for current availability.
More information
If you'd like to talk to us about a group with particular access requirements, or if you need more information about accessibility at Scienceworks, please contact our bookings office on 13 11 02.
If you would like to provide feedback around accessibility at Museums Victoria, please email [email protected].
